Not a Slumdog Junkie

OK ... so here is my point, waking up after the Golden Globes gave SM Best Pictue - Drama.

It was a picture that could have made a real statement, but it missed the mark. The word "dalit" was mentioned once in the screams of the police chasing the kids in the first slum sequences.

The situation in India is so incredibly sad that I found the redemption of one slumdog by winning the lottery demeaning.

There was not one word of political comment in the acceptance for the Golden Globe speech of the idea that this slum is beyond anything that we in the US could even imagine.

This really took the shine off an otherwise exceptional movie to me... and it took me days to figure out why I wasn't on board the SD Bandwagon.

Gene to Pray. Reflections on Atheism.

The news today from Politico is that The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson is to be a part of the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Good news indeed, reaction to R. Warren or not. Knowing Gene and his beliefs, I can say without equivaction, not only is there an openly gay person of faith involved in the inaugural festivities, but also an openly gay person of tolerance.

While following this story on my favorite blogs, I followed comments more thoroughly than usual. At Think Progress I noted this comment:

"On the plus side, Anglican’s seem a helluva lot more laid back than the Catholics. I wonder if they have any churches in my area. =D"

There was also a link to Wikipedia's bio: allegation of inpropriety. And I responded:

This is great news indeed! Yes, [username], I am sure there are Episcopal Churches in your area. We are dealing with a number of people leaving over this issue and welcome those who join us because of it.

I was at the Convention that consented to Gene’s election. The allegations of impropriety were a last minute (literally) attempt to discredit him by the conservative forces. He is an amazing man who lives out the inclusion that he preaches. I am sure he would welcome all of you… deist and atheist alike.

My refernce to "atheist" was prompted by the many comments that religion has no place in goverment.

It made me reflect on the many, many times that I have asked myself, "Does religion really have a place in my life?" I feel the sense of exclusion that many Americans connect with the very word, "religion."

Celebrating Gene's inclusion, I still ask, "What about the Jews, the Muslims? What about women clergy? What about... ?"

Taking comfort in how far we have come and realizing how far we have to go, I know that the Episcopal Church's compass is pointing toward a "Christ Driven Life."

The atheist objection to religion seems more to do with how little faith traditions have lived out their beliefs than rejection of God. And, for the most part, that is completely understandable.

We need to reach out to all, wherever they are, and welcome them on to our journey. I truly believe that in the midst of our struggle the Epsicopal Church is better positioned than most churches to do just that.

Rick Warren. Could it get worse?

YES, IT COULD!

From Christianity Today:

A few minutes ago, I received a letter from Saddleback's Rick Warren, who many conservative Anglicans realize has been extremely supportive of their cause.

Here's what he wrote in part to a handful of leaders:

... [The Episcopal Church has] already considered me an adversary after partnering on projects with Kolini, Orumbi, and Nzimbi, and writing the TIME bio on Akinola.

But since last summer... I’ve been on Gene Robinson and other’s attack list for my position on gay marriage. ....[Our] brothers and sisters here at St. James in Newport Beach lost their California State Supreme Court case to keep their property.

We stand in solidarity with them, and with all orthodox, evangelical Anglicans. I offer the campus of Saddleback Church to any Anglican congregation who need a place to meet, or if you want to plant a new congregation in south Orange County.

The St. James parish is not giving up its court case and has plans to seek other legal remedy. In the meantime, other conservative Episcopal congregations or Anglican church planters might be eager to take pastor Rick up on his offer.

Catchy Phrase, Lousy Graphics

OK, I will give credit where credit is due: Lavender Liberal came up with this great phrase, available in various ready-to-wear and ready-to-drink-from objects.

Can I Vote on YOUR Marriage Now?

Sorry they didn't give a graphic artist some work.

Wicked for Good

From Broadway.com

The North American casts of the smash-hit musical Wicked will host cabaret performances of Defying Inequality, a special benefit evening promoting equality and civil rights, on January 12. The one-night-only events will be held simultaneously in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Louisville (where the Wicked national tour is currently performing).

The events will feature incoming Elphaba Nicole Parker, Ben Cameron, Marty Thomas, Kathy Deitch, Ari Gold, The Glamazons, Mimi Imfurst, Eve Starr, Kelly King, and Brandi Chavonne Massey in New York; Eden Espinosa, Megan Hilty, Shoshana Bean and Jo Anne Worley in Los Angeles; Brian Justin Crum, Kristoffer Cusick, Bridie Carroll, Ted Ely, Heidi Kettenring and Dee Roscioli in Chicago; and Donna Vivino, Richard H. Blake, Ben Liebert and Myra Lucretia Taylor in Louisville. Headliners will also be joined by local theater performers from each respective city.

Each Defying Inequality event will feature musical performances that support Wicked's theme of acceptance and illuminate the musical’s message that people should not be judged on first impressions.

The concerts will specifically benefit Empire State Pride Agenda, Equality California, Garden State Equality and Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, all non-profit charitable organizations working to legislate equality and protect civil rights for the gay and lesbian community. Proceeds from the evening will be distributed equally among the four charities.

Drink Pepsi!

Yes, I said it. Married to a man from Atlanta, and always disappointed when I can't get my C---, I am declaring this Drink Pepsi Week!

Here's what the AFA is up to:

"Company ignores two requests from AFA to discuss Pepsi's support of gay groups.

Pepsi has given Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) a half-million dollars to help push the homosexual agenda in the workplace.

Pepsi has a long tradition of financial support for homosexual groups. According to Jacqueline Millan, director of PepsiCo Corporate Contributions, "We are delighted to continue our partnership with PFLAG...(in) promoting the necessary message of inclusion to untapped groups...and that is a crucial step toward building a healthy working environment."

Despite the fact that 30 states have passed constitutional amendments defining marriage as being between a man and a woman, Pepsi continues to support the efforts by same-sex groups pushing for homosexual marriage.

AFA wrote Pepsi on October 14 and again on October 29 asking the company to remain neutral in the culture war. Pepsi didn't care enough to respond to the AFA letters. Pepsi's lack of response indicates the company plans to continue support for the homosexual agenda.

Take Action!"

I am taking action. Drink Pepsi Week has been declared...maybe Drink Pepsi Month or Year!

Home from the Holidays

Back from GA! We had a lovely time with many of Kyle's friends and many of those who have become mine.

Pete and Freta, Kyle's parents, hosted us twice. They are both very gracious. We spent some of that time with Kyle's bother Jeff and his wife, Pam. Really love them all!

The Spencer's were our hosts and put up with our in and outs and the dogs. Beth and Dan's party was a wonderful.

Dana and Steve hosted a mini-reunion. Angela and Bengt and Thad and Denise were there. Thad is Kyle's good friend from high school.

We drove by the Gwinnett Brave's Stadium which is under construction... hope to make it to a Red Wings game there in July.

Laura and John could n0t make that gathering, but we spent a night at their starter palace in Fayetteville. John is a developer/builder and the place is spectacular!

We spent an evening with Chip and Rick.

Publix is still the second best supermarket chain and we brought home Duke's and country ham.

Everyone is happy to be home, though. Too damn many Republicans in that state.... :-)

We saw Doubt today in our effort to squeeze in as many Golden Globe nominated films as possible. So far I'd pick Meryl and Sean... but more on that later.

In the stranger than fiction category: http://www.pinkwhitebrown.com/obama.html